Science

Science of Gardening

“We look at the garden as the intersection of the natural world and humans,” says John Nimmo, associate professor and executive director of the Child Study and Development Center at the University of New Hampshire.

With that in mind, what better topic is there to nurture a child’s lifelong relationship with nature, ecology, and the outdoors? Planning, planting, and cultivating a garden demonstrates to children just how vital plants are in providing food, shelter, medicine, and oxygen for all humans on planet Earth. Gardening not only helps kids develop an appreciation for nature, but it also helps them connect with it in a deeply meaningful and interactive way.

Educational benefits include hands-on, experiential learning opportunities in both earth and environmental sciences. This can include analyzing the seed growth process, comparing and contrasting different plants and their purpose, studying the soil layers and the soil food web, tracking rainfall and temperatures, and examining how human beings can impact the environment. Plus, there are endless ways to stimulate a child’s inherent curiosity by applying the scientific method to all of their questions.

“Working in a garden, a child can experience the satisfaction that comes from caring for something over time, while observing the cycle of life firsthand.” – Eartheasy.org

Indeed, a garden is often the first chance a child has to take care of a living thing. This is an enormous source of pride for them, while also teaching them the value of life. Growing their own food often boosts their self-esteem as well. Learning how to garden can be very empowering in that regard, not to mention becoming a gateway to the concept of self-sufficiency.

As if that weren’t enough, there are also a multitude of lifestyle and nutrition benefits to gardening.

“If they grow it, they’ll eat it.” – Collective School Garden Network

Children who grow their own fruits and vegetables are much more likely to eat them. They will notice the fresher taste and texture. And having a backyard garden makes it easy to include homegrown produce in healthy meals and snacks. This is particularly crucial considering childhood obesity has more than doubled in recent years. To that end, gardening provides a wide range of physical activity through digging, planting, weeding and watering.

Gardening can also bring families, classrooms, and communities closer together. Working alongside friends and family fosters teamwork and mutual respect that strengthens relationships far beyond the garden. And sharing what you grow with neighbors and others in your community helps children practice responsible citizenship.

The bottom line is that humans were created to be out in nature. Gardening gives you and your children/students an opportunity (and wonderful excuse!) to spend some time outside, soaking up Vitamin D, while learning an important life skill.

Make your own box garden today—your children will thank you for it! (And they may even go on to have careers in horticulture or other STEM fields!)